Food: The New Gold by Kathlyn Gay-ADVISABLE

Gay, Kathlyn, Food: The New Gold,  Twenty-First Century Books, 2013. Pgs. 96. INFORMATION.

Around the world, millions go to bed hungry every night. Farmers produce enough food to feed everyone, but it doesn’t get to the people who need it most. Why is food abundant in some places and scarce in others? Author, Kathlyn Gay researches and attempts to explain why.

The charts and numbers provided are informative and eye-opening. The layout is well-done and easy to follow. Along the way, readers will find “food for thought” ideas that other cities are using to help the food shortage issues. Readers who are interested in helping the world or who need to do a report on a current issue will enjoy reading this book. Included are a glossary, sources for further information, a bibliography, and an index. MS, HS. OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

Katy Perry: From Gospel Singer to Popstar by Nadia Higgins-ADVISABLE

Higgins, Nadia, Katy Perry: From Gospel Singer to Popstar. Lerner Publishing Company, 2013. Pgs. 32. INFORMATION.

How did Katy Perry go from singing in church to being a famous popstar? What gave her her break? How does Katy keep in shape? What is her before show ritual? Read to find out.

A colorful, eye-catching format for reluctant and avid readers. The information provided is fun and entertaining.  Readers who like reading about popstars will enjoy reading this book. Included are close-up photos, further information sources, and an index. EL (4-6), MS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

One Direction: Breakout Boy Band by Marcia Amidon Lusted-ADVISABLE

Lusted, Marcia Amidon, One Direction: Breakout Boy Band. Lerner Publishing Company, 2013. Pgs. 32. INFORMATION.

How did One Direction become a band? Did you know one of the band members has a fear of spoons? Did you know it took 100 security guards to protect the group at their first performance in Dallas, Texas? Learn these facts about the band and more in this book.

A unique look at a band that never knew each other before their performance on the X Factor. The layout is colorful and fun to follow. The information provided is entertaining and helps to satiate the avid followers of One Direction. Readers who like the band or who are interested in boy bands/popstars will enjoy reading this book. Included are close-up photos, sources for more information, and an index. EL(4-6), MS. ADVISABLE Reviewer: Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

Tim Tebow by Jeff Savage-ADVISABLE

Savage, Jeff, Tim Tebow. Lerner Publishing Company, 2013. Pgs. 32. INFORMATION.

When Tim Tebow left the University of Florida in 2010, many people didn’t think he would be good enough to play quarterback in the NFL. Tim helped Florida Gators to become national champions in 2006 and 2008 and won the National Heisman Trophy in 2007 as college football’s most outstanding player, but was more a runner than a thrower in college. So how did he become one of the most popular athletes in any sport? Read to find out.

With colorful pages and photos, readers will be drawn in to the biography. The layout is easy to follow and informative. Readers interested in football will enjoy reading this book. Included are career highlights, a glossary, and an index as well as sources for further information. EL (4-6), MS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

Tales From the Top of the World by Sandra K. Athans-ADVISABLE

Athans, Sandra K., Tales From the Top of the World: Climbing Mount Everest with Pete Athans. Millbrook Press, 2013. Pgs. 64. INFORMATION.

Thousands of people have made the climb, but not everyone who attempts the climb make it to the summit.  Some have died trying. Pet Athans made it to the top seven times and this is his journey.

Entertaining and informative. The layout is good. The truths shown in the photos are shocking and informative. Readers who like survival stories, climbing, and adventure non-fiction will enjoy reading this book. El (4-6), MS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

The Suburban Strange by Nathan Kotecki –OPTIONAL

Kotecki, Nathan The Suburban Strange 368 pgs. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2012. $12.74.  (Rating: Sexual: PG13, Language: PG13 (sex talk -some it gay) and violence: PG).

Celia has always been a shy artist –but since being adopted by the dark and cool Rosary clique at her new school, well she is becoming a new person. While finding a new love for music, intelligence, and beauty –Celia is stumbling into a world of mystery as well. There is the interesting boy at the club who stares at her, a friend at school who might be a witch, and a series of accidents involving virginal birthday girls. Celia seems to be at the heart of it all.

The setting was fantastic; the author is obviously a real aficionado of music -which students would totally dig. Honestly I was surprised to see this funky, cool, interesting book fall quickly into the Twilight like cliché I dread so much (beautiful, special, magic, intense yet obvious romance….). The worst part was the virgin vs non-virgin theme that is threaded throughout the book, it was really unnecessary and may make this book not quite right for your school library.  

HS –OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary Librarian & Author.

Cat Girl’s Day Off by Kimberly Pauley -ADVISABLE

Pauley, Kimberly Cat Girl’s Day Off  336 pgs. Tu Books, 2012. $14.82.  (Rating: Sexual: PG, Language: PG (1b), Violence: G).

Natalie isn't quite as supernaturally talented as her family –in fact she is kind of embarrassed about her only skill –talking to cats. Its mostly a secret, so for the most part her life is pretty normal. Her best friends Melly and Oscar are a bit star struck by a new movie being filmed at their school. Natalie keeps her cool until she is drawn into a complex mess of magic by a cat in a vile predicament.

Finally a book who presents a very normal and average magical child, even her power is offbeat. (Versus my most hated literary cliché of the super special, super beautiful, super unique magical child). This was a goofy light-hearted fun high school adventure with lots of personality. Students are sure to relate to Natalie and her friends. (Note: Oscar is gay –lots of mild boy crush talk.)

MS, HS –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary Librarian & Author.

The Horse and the Plains Indians by Dorothy Patent –OPTIONAL

Patent, Dorothy Hinshaw The Horse and the Plains Indians: A Powerful Partnership 112 pgs. Clarion Books, 2012. $15.38.  (Rating: G)

Before the 1600’s the Native Americans were using dogs to pull their belongings and items to transport. When the Spanish in the Southwest brought vast of horses –many were stolen, or got away and were captured by Native Americans. They quickly integrated horses into their daily lives: hunting, transporting, and culturally. As many tragedies occurred towards the treatment of Native Americans by the US government, their horses suffered as well. But their love of horses did not diminish and many tribes today have horses as an important part of their lives.  

This book features lovely large font and many photographs, both modern and historic. Although clearly divided into subtopics by chapter, it does ramble through time and a tribes a bit to accomplish its goals. It’s a bit specific, topic-wise for a use when creating a report but horses are a popular subject with younger students, so this book may see some circulation.

MS, HS  –OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

The Book of Blood by HP Newquist –ADVISABLE

Newquist, HP The Book of Blood: From Legends and Leeches to Vampires and Veins 160 pgs. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2012. $15.38.  (Rating: PG-13 Mention of Sex, Anatomically correct diagram)

Everything you ever wanted to know about blood –from a detailed scientific and even mythical history to current knowledge and more. Lots of Pictures, diagrams, and illustrations. Features a cover that looks like its covered in blood which is sure to draw attention.

This book isn’t quite as youthful or interesting as it first appears. But it includes just about everything you could ever want to know, explained and presented clearly and concisely. Its far and away better than any book in my library on blood. The book may not be quite appropriate for elementary as it include some sex talk (in the Hippocratic oath!) and a fully anatomically correct drawing of a man. I loved all the blood, all over the book and its pages. I think students will fight over this, and maybe even learn something!!

MS, HS  –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Oopsy, Teacher by Stephanie Calmenson –OPTIONAL

Calmenson, Stephanie and Illustrated by Yoshikawa, Sachiko Oopsy, Teacher 32 pgs. Carolrhoda Books, 2012. $13.13.  (Rating: G)

Mr. Bungles is having a bad day. We watch as he hits his head, spills his food, and when the hamster gets loose at school –it a wild chase that ends in a pizza party.

This was an odd book –featuring a teacher in the shower –yuck! The rhyming scheme starts out really nicely and would allow for some really fun guessing by students, but then it abruptly changes pace. I mostly just felt bad for this teacher, but that is probably why students would find this fun! Also the illustrations are big and bright, so students will be prone to picking this one out.

EL –OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary Librarian & Author.